WTI APS-8M User manual

WTI Part No. 13202
Rev. C
APS-8M
Asynchronous Port Switch
with Internal Modem
Firmware Version 2.30
User's Guide

Warnings and Cautions:
No Serviceable Parts Inside;
Authorized Service Personnel Only
Do not attempt to repair or service this device yourself. Internal
components must be serviced by authorized personnel only.
•Shock Hazard - Do Not Enter
Nameplate Power Warning
This device should only be operated with the type of power source
indicated on the instrument nameplate. If you are not sure of the
type of power service available, consult your local power company.
•Connect unit only to a properly measured supply. Use only
three wire cord which is provided with the unit.
•Reliable earthing of this equipment must be maintained.
Particular attention should be given to supply connections
when connecting to power strips, rather than direct
connections to the branch circuit.
Rack Mount Installation
When installing this device in an instrument rack, the following
factors must be accounted for:
1. Enclosed Racks: Enclosed racks must provide adequate
ventilation. Make certain that the rack is not overly crowded
and note that each unit in the rack generates its own heat. An
enclosed rack should have louvered sides and a fan to
circulate cooling air.
When mounting the unit in an enclosed rack with a ventilation
fan at the top of the rack, note that excessive heat generated
by devices at the bottom of the rack can be drawn upward and
into the ventilation slots of units located at the top. Make
certain to provide adequate ventilation for equipment installed
at the bottom of the rack.
(Continued)
i

Rack Mount Installation (Continued)
1. Enclosed Racks (Continued):
The ambient within the rack may be greater than room
ambient. Installation should be such that the amount of air
flow required for safe operation is not compromised. The
maximum temperature for the equipment in this environment
is 45°C. Consideration should be given to the maximum rated
ambient.
Installation should be such that a hazardous stability condition
is not achieved due to uneven loading.
2. Open Racks: Make certain that the rack frame does not block
the ventilation slots on the instrument cover. If the device is
installed on sliders, check the unit when seated all the way
into the rack to make certain that ventilation slots are not
blocked.
Ventilation
Slots in the instrument cover are provided to allow ventilation for
heat dissipation. To ensure safe, reliable operation, these openings
must not be covered or blocked.
Disconnect Power
If any of the following events are noted, immediately disconnect the
unit from the outlet and contact qualified service personnel:
1. If the power cord becomes frayed or damaged.
2. If liquid has been spilled into the device or if the device has
been exposed to rain or water.
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APS-8M User’s Guide

Table of Contents
1. Introduction............................................1-1
2. Unit Description ........................................2-1
2.1. Front Panel ...........................................2-1
2.2. Back Panel ...........................................2-2
3. Getting Started .........................................3-1
4. Hardware Installation...................................4-1
4.1. Connecting Power to the APS Unit ......................4-1
4.1.1. AC Powered Units..............................4-1
4.1.2. DC Powered Units..............................4-1
4.2. Configure SetUp Switches ..............................4-2
4.2.1. Default Baud Rate (Sw1, Sw2, Sw3) ..............4-3
4.2.2. Default Handshake (Sw4, Sw5) ..................4-4
4.2.3. Default Response Message Format (Sw6) .........4-5
4.2.4. Default Command Echo (Sw7) ...................4-5
4.3. Initialize Unit to Default Settings .......................4-6
4.4. Connecting Devices to the APS .........................4-6
5. Configuration ..........................................5-1
5.1. Access to the APS Command Mode ......................5-1
5.2. System SetUp Ports....................................5-2
5.3. Password Functions....................................5-2
5.4. The System Parameters Menu ...........................5-3
5.4.1. The Password Directory.........................5-5
5.4.2. The Dial Back Function .........................5-8
5.5. Port Configuration....................................5-10
5.5.1. Configuration Conventions .....................5-10
5.5.2. Port Modes ...................................5-11
5.5.3. RS232 Port Configuration Menus ...............5-12
5.5.4. The Invalid Access Lockout Feature .............5-17
5.6. Copying Parameters to All Ports .......................5-18
5.7. Save User Selected Parameters .........................5-19
6. The Internal Modem ....................................6-1
6.1. Communicating with the Internal Modem.................6-1
6.2. Common AT Commands................................6-2
7. The Status Screens ......................................7-1
7.1. The Port Status Screen (/S) .............................7-1
7.2. The Port Diagnostics Screen (/SD).......................7-2
7.3. The Port Parameters Screens (/W) ......................7-4
7.4. The Password Directory Screen (/V) ....................7-4
iii

8. Operation ..............................................8-1
8.1. Any-to-Any Mode .....................................8-1
8.1.1. Port Connection and Disconnection...............8-1
8.1.2. Defining Hunt Groups ..........................8-4
8.2. Passive Mode .........................................8-6
8.3. Buffer Mode ..........................................8-6
8.3.1. Reading Data from Buffer Mode Ports ............8-7
8.3.2. Port Buffers ...................................8-8
8.4. Modem Mode .........................................8-8
9. Saving and Restoring Configuration Parameters ..........9-1
9.1. Sending Parameters to a File ............................9-1
9.2. Restoring Saved Parameters ............................9-2
10. Upgrading APS-8M Firmware ..........................10-1
11. Command Reference Guide .............................11-1
11.1. Command Conventions................................11-1
11.2. Command Response ..................................11-2
11.3. Command Summary ..................................11-3
11.4. Command Set ........................................11-4
Appendices
A. RS232 Port Interface .................................Apx-1
B. Specifications ........................................Apx-2
C. Customer Service ....................................Apx-3
List of Figures
2.1. Instrument Front Panel ......................................2-1
2.2. Instrument Back Panel .......................................2-2
3.1. The Supervisor Level Help Screen ............................3-2
3.2. The Port Status Screen.......................................3-3
4.1. Terminal Block Assembly (DC Units Only) ....................4-1
5.1. The System Parameters Menu (/F).............................5-4
5.2. The Edit Password Directory Menu............................5-5
5.3. The Add Name/Password Menu (Defaults Shown) ..............5-6
5.4. The Edit/Delete Name/Password Menu (Sample Values Shown)...5-7
5.5. Port Configuration Menu (Port 1 Shown) .....................5-12
5.6. Port Parameters Menu; Modem Mode (Port 3 Shown) ..........5-14
5.7. The Copy Port Parameters Menu .............................5-18
7.1. The Port Status Screen.......................................7-1
7.2. The Port Diagnostics Screen (Defaults Shown) .................7-3
7.3. The Port Parameters Screen (Port 1 Shown) ....................7-4
7.4. The Password Directory Screen (Sample Values Shown) .........7-5
A.1. RS232 Port Interface......................................Apx-1
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APS-8M User’s Guide

1. Introduction
WTI’s APS-8M Asynchronous Port Switch allows reliable, high-
speed connections between PCs, modems, and other devices using
dissimilar baud rates, parity, and flow control. The APS-8M
supports communication at speeds up to 115.2 Kbps, and features
full RTS/CTS hardware handshaking and a 33.6K internal modem.
Lightening-swift data throughput and full flow control make the
APS-8M the perfect data switch for today’s high speed
communications applications.
Versatile Connectivity
Up to seven different devices can be connected to the APS-8M
without the need to select a common baud rate or parity. Each port
can be individually configured for specific baud rates, parity,
handshaking, and various other parameters and options.
Easy Set-Up and Operation
Configuration of the APS-8M is simple. A menuing system is used
to select communications parameters, and enable or disable options.
The APS-8M can easily adapt to the requirements of almost any data
communications application.
Password Protected Connection and Command Access
The APS-8M provides two levels of user security; the Supervisor
level and the Non-Supervisor level. The Supervisor level, which is
intended for use by system managers and other administrators,
provides complete access to all port connection / disconnection
functions, operating features and configuration menus, and also
allows access to any port on the switch. The Non-Supervisor level
is ideal for colocation applications, since users are only permitted to
view status and connect to the ports allowed by their password.
Internal Modem
The APS-8M features a 33.6K MutliTech format Internal modem;
this simplifies the procedure for setting up the unit for out-of-band
access to command features.
Non-Volatile Memory
If power to the unit is lost or interrupted, the APS-8M’s non-volatile
memory will retain user-defined parameters and port connections.
1-1

Modem Communication
The APS-8M can be controlled by a local PC that communicates
with the unit via cable, or controlled remotely via external modem.
Hyperterminal (or another communications program) is used to send
commands to connect ports or display status.
Configuration Backup
Once you have configured the APS-8M to fit your application,
parameters and options can be saved to an ASCII text file on your
PC. This allows you to quickly restore user-selected parameters if
the unit configuration is accidentally altered or deleted. Saved
parameters can also be uploaded to other APS-8M units. This
allows rapid set-up when several units will be configured with
identical or similar parameters.
Typographic Conventions
^(e.g. ^X) Indicates a control character. For example,
the text "^X" (Control X) indicates the [Ctrl]
key and the [X] key must be pressed
simultaneously.
COURIER FONT Indicates characters typed on the keyboard.
For example, /E or /P 02.
[Bold Font] Text set in bold face and enclosed in square
brackets, indicates a specific key.
For example, [Enter] or [Esc].
<> Indicates required keyboard entries:
For Example: /P <n>.
[] Indicates optional keyboard entries.
For Example: /W [n].
1-2
APS-8M User’s Guide

2. Unit Description
2.1. Front Panel
¬CLEAR: Restarts the APS operating program without
changing user-selected parameter settings or breaking
port connections.
ON: Lights when AC Power is applied.
®SET: Used to Initialize the APS to defaults specified by the
SetUp Switches. To initialize, press and hold both the SET
and CLEAR buttons, release only the CLEAR button, and then
release the SET button.
Notes:
·During initialization, all port LEDs will flash ON for
approximately one half second.
·During initialization, all command-selected parameters
will be cleared, and the APS will revert to the default
parameters specified by the SetUp Switches.
¯RDY: Flashes to indicate unit is operational.
°ACTIVITY LEDs: Light when corresponding port is
receiving data.
2-1
Figure 2.1: Instrument Front Panel

2.2. Back Panel
¬Power Cable Receptacle AC powered units only. DC units
include a terminal block assembly as described in
Section 4.1.2.
Power Switch
®SetUp Switches: A bank of eight DIP switches, which set
default communication parameters and other features as
described in Section 4.2.
¯Internal Modem Port: For connection to your telco line. For
information regarding modem configuration, please refer to
Section 5.5.3.
°RS232 PORTS: For connection to RS232 console ports on
user devices. For more information, please refer to
Section 4.4 (connection instructions), Appendix A (interface
description), and Section 5.2 (Setup Ports).
2-2
APS-8M User’s Guide
Figure 2.2: Instrument Back Panel

3. Getting Started
This section provides a brief overview of basic APS-8M capabilities,
and describes the procedures for installing the unit, and accessing
command mode. Note that this Quick Start procedure is included
only to provide a quick demonstration of the unit's basic functions
and capabilities. In order to take full advantage of the complete
range of features provided by this unit, it is strongly recommended
that you complete the entire Installation and Configuration sections
after completing this Quick Start procedure.
1. Apply Power to the APS-8M: Connect the APS-8M to an
appropriate power source. Prior to connecting the unit to your
power supply, make certain to review the safety precautions
listed at the beginning of this User's Guide, and in Section 4.1,
and then press the Power Switch to the ON position.
2. Connect Your Telco Line to the APS-8M: Use a standard
RJ-11 cable to connect your Telco outlet to the Internal
Modem Port, located on the APS-8M back panel. For more
information, please refer to Section 4.4. and Appendix A.
3. Connect a PC to the APS-8M: Attach a standard null modem
cable from your PC COM port to the Port 1 connector on the
APS-8M back panel. For a description of the port interface,
please refer to Appendix A.
Note: When the APS-8M is shipped from the factory,
communications parameters are set as follows: 9600 bps,
RTS/CTS Handshaking, 8 Data Bits, One Stop Bit, No
Parity. Although the APS allows these parameters to be
easily redefined, for this Quick Start procedure, it is
recommended to configure your communications program
(e.g. HyperTerminal) to accept the default parameters.
4. Access Command Mode: Start your communications
program and press [Enter]. The "APS>" Command prompt
should appear, indicating that you have successfully accessed
the APS-8M command mode.
Note: If a password that permits access to Supervisor
Mode has been previously defined, a prompt will be
displayed. Key in a Supervisor Level password, and
press [Enter]. If a Supervisor Level password has not yet
been defined, the prompt will not be displayed.
3-1

5. Review the Help Menu: At the APS Command Prompt, type
/H and press [Enter] to display the Help Menu (Figure 3.1),
which provides a basic listing of all APS-8M commands.
6. Port Status Screen: Type /S and press [Enter] to display the
Port Status Screen (Figure 3.2), which summarizes conditions
at all APS-8M ports. The various fields of the Port Status
Screen are explained further in Section 7.1.
7. Port Connection: The APS-8M can perform two different
types of port connections; Resident Connections and Third
Party Connections.
a) Resident Connection: Your resident port (e.g. Port 1)
issues a /C command to connect to a second port.
i. To connect Port 1 to Port 2, type /C 2 [Enter].
While Port 1 is connected, the APS-8M will not
recognize commands issued at Port 1. However, the
unit will recognize a Resident Disconnect Sequence
issued at Port 1 or Port 2.
ii. Issue the Resident Disconnect Sequence (Logoff
Sequence); type ^X (press [Ctrl] and [X] at the same
time).
3-2
APS-8M User’s Guide
COMMAND MENU:
DISPLAY CONFIGURATION
/S Port Status /F System Parameters
/SD Port Diagnostics /P [n] Port Parameters
/W [n] Port Parameters (Who) /I Default and Test
/J Site ID /UF Upgrade Firmware
/H Command Menu (Help) /CP Copy Port Parameters
/V View Password Directory
CONTROL +--------------------+
<Enter> Enter Command Mode | n Port# or name |
/X Exit Command Mode | * "all" |
/C <n> [n] Connect - Local [Remote] | | "or" |
/D <n | ... | *> Disconnect Port(s) | <> Required entry |
/E <n | ... | *> Erase Buffer | [] Optional entry |
/U Send Parameter File +--------------------+
/UL Unlock Invalid Access
/D, /E, /I commands: add /Y to bypass "Sure (y/n)?"
APS>
Figure 3.1: The Supervisor Level Help Screen

b) Third Party Connection: Your resident port (e.g. Port 1)
issues a /C command to create a connection between two
other ports.
i. To connect Port 2 to Port 3, type /C23[Enter].
ii. While Ports 2 and 3 are connected, Port 1 will still
recognize APS commands. Type /S [Enter] to
display the Port Status Screen. The "STATUS" column
should now list Ports 2 and 3 as connected, and Port 1
as "Free".
iii. Issue a Third Party Disconnect command to disconnect
Ports 2 and 3; type /D 2 [Enter]. The unit will
display the "Are you Sure (y/n)?" prompt. Type yand
press [Enter] to disconnect.
iv. Type /S [Enter] to display the Port Status Screen.
The "STATUS" column should now list Ports 2 and 3
as "Free".
8. Exit Command Mode: At the "APS>" command prompt, type
/X and press [Enter]. The APS-8M will exit command mode.
3-3
Getting Started
PORT STATUS: APS-M, Version 2.3, Site ID: (undefined)
PORT | NAME | CMD ACCESS | STATUS | MODE | BUFFER COUNT
-----+------------------+------------+--------+--------+--------------
01 | (undefined) | Unlocked | Free | Any | 0
02 | (undefined) | Unlocked | Free | Any | 0
03 | (undefined) | Unlocked | Free | Any | 0
04 | (undefined) | Unlocked | Free | Any | 0
05 | (undefined) | Unlocked | Free | Any | 0
06 | (undefined) | Unlocked | Free | Any | 0
07 | (undefined) | Unlocked | Free | Any | 0
08 | Internal_Modem | Unlocked | Free | Modem | 0
Enter /H for command menu.
APS>
Figure 3.2: The Port Status Screen

9. Access Command Mode via Modem: From a PC with a
modem and Telco line, dial the number for the line which is
connected to the APS-8M's internal modem. Once the
connection is established, the unit should send the "APS>"
command prompt, indicating that you have successfully
accessed command mode.
Note: If a password that permits access to Supervisor
Mode has been previously defined, a prompt will be
displayed. Key in a Supervisor Level password, and
press [Enter]. If a Supervisor Level password has not yet
been defined, the prompt will not be displayed.
a) Type /H and press [Enter] to display the Help Menu. If
desired, you may also wish to repeat the Port Connection /
Disconnection examples described in Step 7 above.
b) When you have finished communicating with the APS-8M
unit, type /X and press [Enter] to exit command mode and
terminate the modem connection to the unit.
This completes the introductory overview of the APS-8M. Please
proceed to Sections 4 and 5 for complete installation and
configuration procedures.
3-4
APS-8M User’s Guide

4. Hardware Installation
4.1. Connecting Power to the APS Unit
The APS-8M is available in both AC and DC powered versions.
When connecting power, proceed as follows:
CAUTION: This device should only be operated with
the type of power source indicated on the instrument
nameplate. If you are not sure of the type of power
service available, please contact your local power
company.
4.1.1. AC Powered Units
Plug the power cable (supplied with the unit) into the receptacle on
the back panel, and then connect the power cable to an appropriate,
grounded outlet. The APS features a self adjusting power supply
that automatically adapts to power supplies between 100 and 240
VAC. Press the Power Switch ON. The ON LED should light and
the RDY LED should begin to flash.
4.1.2. DC Powered Units
The DC terminal block features two bus inputs as shown in
Figure 4.1. This allows the user to connect only one DC power
source, or connect two DC power sources where the second source
serves as a backup. When connecting the APS-8M to your DC
power source, first remove the protective cover from the terminal
block, attach the wires from the -48V DC power source to the screw
terminals, connect your ground line to the labeled ground screw, and
then replace the protective cover.
4-1
Figure 4.1: Terminal Block Assembly (DC Units Only)

4.2. Configure SetUp Switches
The SetUp Switches are used to select default settings for the
RS232 ports. The SetUp Switches are located on the APS-8M back
panel, as shown in Figure 2.1.
When the APS-8M is shipped from the factory, the SetUp Switches
are configured for 9600 baud, 8 Bits-No Parity, RTS/CTS
handshaking, verbose command response, and command echo on (all
switches ON). These settings are compatible with most applications.
If the default settings are not compatible with your application,
change the switch settings as follows.
Notes:
·The SetUp Switches should be configured to match the
parameters your control device will use when
communicating with the APS-8M. This will ensure
access to command functions, even if the unit is reset
to default parameters.
·If SetUp Switch configuration is changed, new
parameters will not take effect until the unit is
reinitialized as described in Section 4.3.
·Operating parameters (baud rate, parity, etc.) can be
selected for each port using the /P command as
described in Section 5.5. The /P command can select
different parameters for each APS port.
·When the APS is initialized, parameters will return to
settings specified by the SetUp Switches.
4-2
APS-8M User’s Guide

4.2.1. Default Baud Rate (Sw1, Sw2, Sw3)
SetUp Switches one through three select the default baud rate for
RS232 Ports One through Seven. The default baud rate must match
the rate that your control device (the PC that will be used to
configure and control the unit) will use when communicating with
the APS-8M.
Notes:
·If the control device will communicate via an external
modem connected to one of the RS232 Ports, select a
default baud rate that is compatible with the external
modem.
·The /P command can also be used to select a different
operating baud rate for each port.
·SetUp Switches one through three do not set the default
baud rate for Port 8 (the Internal Modem Port). The
default rate for Port 8 is 9600 bps. The operating baud
rate for Port 8 can also be set using the /P command.
SW
Default Baud Rate
123
ON ON ON 9600*
OFF ON ON 300
ON OFF ON 1200
OFF OFF ON 2400
ON ON OFF 19.2K
OFF ON OFF 38.4K
ON OFF OFF 57.6K
OFF OFF OFF 115.2K
* = Factory Setting
4-3
Hardware Installation

4.2.2. Default Handshake (Sw4, Sw5)
SetUp Switches four and five select the default handshake format for
RS232 Ports One through Seven. The default handshake format
must match the format that your control device will use when
communicating with the APS. SetUp Switches four and five can
select RTS/CTS (hardware), XON/XOFF, Both or None.
Notes:
·If the control device will communicate with the
APS-8M via an external modem connected to one of
the RS232 ports, select a default handshaking format
that is compatible with the external modem.
·The /P command can also be used to select a different
handshake format for each port.
·Setup Switches Four and Five do not select the default
handshake format for Port 8 (the Internal Modem Port).
The default handshake format for Port 8 is RTS/CTS.
The operating handshake format for Port 8 can also be
set via the /P command.
Switch
Default Handshake
45
ON ON RTS/CTS *
OFF ON XON/XOFF
ON OFF Both
OFF OFF None
* = Factory Setting
4-4
APS-8M User’s Guide

4.2.3. Default Response Message Format
(Sw6)
When commands are invoked, the APS-8M can respond with either
verbose or terse (abbreviated) messages. Response messages are
summarized in Section 11.2. After installation, the /P command can
also set the response format to "none" (Quiet Mode). When Quiet
Mode is selected, the unit will not send response messages. Note
that the /P command can also be used to select a different Response
Message format for each port.
Switch 6 Default Response Message Type
ON Verbose (English Text) *
OFF Terse (abbreviated / numeric)
* = Factory Setting
4.2.4. Default Command Echo (Sw7)
Switch Seven enables or disables the Command Echo. When
enabled, characters sent to the APS-8M will be echoed back to the
control device. Note that the /P command can also be used to
selectively enable or disable the Command Echo at each individual
port.
Switch 7 Default Command Echo
ON Enable*
OFF Disable
* = Factory Setting
Note: SetUp Switch 8 is not currently used.
4-5
Hardware Installation

4.3. Initialize Unit to Default Settings
If SetUp Switch settings are changed, new parameters will not take
effect until the APS-8M is initialized.
CAUTION: After initialization, the unit will revert to
the parameters specified by the SetUp Switches, and
command-selected parameters will be lost.
1. Simultaneously press the SET and CLEAR buttons, located on
the face of the APS-8M.
2. Release the CLEAR button, wait for the Port LEDs to flash,
and then release the SET button.
4.4. Connecting Devices to the APS
APS RS232 Ports one through seven are standard DB9 connectors,
configured as DTE Ports, and are similar to a standard serial port on
a PC.
1. Access the APS-8M command mode.
2. Determine which RS232 port will be used for connection to
the new device (e.g. Port 3).
3. Use an appropriate DB9 cable to connect the RS232 serial port
on the device to the selected DB9 port on the APS.
a) External Modems and other DCE Devices: Use a
standard serial modem cable.
b) PCs and other DTE Devices: Use a standard null modem
cable.
5. Select communication parameters for the port as described in
Section 5.
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APS-8M User’s Guide